“Ezias, Ancient Prophet”

Ed J. Pinegar, Richard J. Allen

Ezias was an ancient prophet cited by Nephi, son of Helaman, as evidence of the coming of the Son of God: “And now I would that ye should know,” he said to his compatriots in Zarahemla, “that even since the days of Abraham there have been many prophets that have testified these things” (Helaman 8:19). Then Nephi names seven prophets (in addition to Moses) whose testimonies confirm the mission of the Lord: Zenos, Zenock, Ezias, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lehi, and Nephi. We are not informed about the particulars of the life or times of Ezias, but only of his firm testimony of the Savior. His writings were most likely contained in the brass plates of Laban and were familiar to those who were instructed in the contents of these records. The Doctrine and Covenants mentions a prophet named Esaias “who lived in the days of Abraham, and was blessed of him” (D&C 84:13). Whether this prophet is the same as Ezias mentioned by Nephi is not clear.

Commentaries and Insights on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 2

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